By Charles Ikins*
Key Points:
The rise of China and the spread of its political, economic and military influence throughout the Indo-Pacific region has accentuated the strategic utility of WA to the future of the US-Australia alliance.
Located astride the Indian Ocean littoral, WA is increasingly integral to future Australian defence and strategic initiatives that seek to maintain and strengthen favourable partnerships among Indo-Pacific countries.
Over the long-term the US Navy in particular is bound to take a stronger interest in WA, where it can capitalise upon the State’s secure strategic location and advanced industrial capabilities to strengthen its foothold in the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region.
